asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in view of the scarcity of linseed oil for feeding, he has tried to obtain a type of flax-yielding seed for the purpose and thus provide the basis of a new and necessary industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Production of Linseed Oil.
Trials have been carried out with a number of varieties of flax for the production of linseed for use in feeding-stuffs. Particulars of these trials, which were extensive and prolonged, have been printed in the Department's Journal, from which I shall be glad to send the Deputy the relevant extract.
From the commercial aspect it became evident that the quantity of linseed which could be obtained per acre was insufficient to make its production and harvesting a paying proposition except at a price much higher than its value as feeding-stuff. Consequently flax growers lost interest in the matter.